What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that starts in early childhood and often continues into adulthood. It's a developmental problem that affects your ability to focus and can make you behave carelessly.
While many children are fidgety and don't always pay attention, those with ADHD have such severe symptoms that they struggle to behave in ways other people find acceptable and find school a considerable challenge.
What are the types of ADHD?
There are two aspects to ADHD:
Inattentiveness
Inattentive ADHD is when you lack concentration and organizational skills, don't hear when people call you or talk to you, and have an intense dislike of tasks requiring focus.
With inattentive ADHD, you probably exhibit a lack of attention to detail, make careless mistakes, lose things all the time, and have trouble remembering.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactive and impulsive ADHD symptoms include:
- Being fidgety
- Constantly tapping or moving
- Talking all the time
- Inability to play quietly
- Constantly running around
- Taking risks
- Being unaware of danger
- Frequently interrupting
- Using others’ belongings
Many people have combined ADHD, where they display a mix of both inattentive and hyperactive behaviors. Dr. Jacobs has considerable experience in assessing people for ADHD.
How does ADHD affect adults?
Life can be a considerable challenge for anyone with ADHD who isn't getting expert treatment and support. You could have trouble maintaining relationships and holding down a job, and some people get involved with petty crime and substance abuse.
Because you find studying difficult, you might be unable to reach your true potential and have to work in various low-skilled jobs that don't require qualifications.
What treatments can help with ADHD?
One of the most helpful treatments that Dr. Jacobs provides for people with ADHD is psychostimulant medication.
These drugs help to balance chemicals in your brain that stop you from focusing and make it hard to control your impulses. Medications that could ease your ADHD symptoms include:
- Methylphenidate
- Dextroamphetamine
- Amphetamine salts mixture
- Lisdexamfetamine
Atomoxetine, a nonstimulant selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), can help relieve the anxiety ADHD causes. Antidepressants can sometimes help to improve focus and reduce aggression and depression.
Another essential treatment for ADHD is behavioral therapy, a type of talk therapy where Dr. Jacobs discusses your problems with you and shows you how to manage your behaviors more successfully.
This approach can be extremely helpful in combating the confusion and frustration people with ADHD often experience.
If you think you might be living with ADHD, you can talk to Dr. Jacobs securely through telehealth. Call Jacobi Care today to find out more or book an appointment online.
